VERACITY IN GAMING
VERACITY IN GAMING
Why a Japanese supermarket letting employees dye their hair is more revolutionary than it may seem
Japanese businesses often have strict rules regarding appearance in the workplace. However, a certain supermarket has changed its policy, allowing its employees more freedom in the way they look and dress. Are Japanese businesses adapting to the times?
Japan’s Ninja Warrior obstacle course to become an Olympic sport in 2028
The International Olympic Committee has officially announced that Japan's popular sports reality game show, Sasuke, also known as Ninja Warrior, will be included as an Olympic sport in 2028.
Use of “AI actress” in Japanese commercial causes controversy amidst ongoing international strikes in the industry
A Japanese tea company's commercial featuring an AI actress sparks discussion about the ethics of using AI as opposed to human talent. Online users and industry professionals evaluate the pros and cons.
Japan’s first “dictionary of otaku terminology” defines words such as “omegaverse,” met with mixed reactions
A major Japanese publisher announced the release of a comprehensive dictionary of otaku and geek terminology, covering topics such as “common otaku terminology,” K-pop stan terminology, yaoi, Pokémon terminology and similar.
ByAmber V
According to survey, nearly 40% of Japanese school kids still wear masks throughout their entire school day, and the main reason isn’t Covid
Nearly 40% of Japanese elementary and middle school students wear face masks throughout the school day. What motivates Japanese youth to continue to wear masks, even when they are no longer mandatory?
Why do Japanese people tend to drop all formality when talking to foreigners even though Japan is so big on being polite?
Why do some Japanese people tend to rely on casual speech to communicate with foreigners? A foreign sociolinguist shares their surprisingly casual conversation at a pharmacy in Japan.
False plagiarism accusations a growing problem in Japan’s anime industry – Sailor Moon director takes legal action, fearing deadly outcome
Sailor Moon and Revolutionary Girl Utena anime director Kunihiko Ikuhara has taken legal action against a woman who claims he plagiarized her art. Given the recent incidents of attacks by disgruntled fans against creators, it appears that taking precautionary measures to prevent potential tragedies may be necessary.
Why did Frieren and Oshi no Ko have such unusually long premieres?
Why are anime debuts becoming so long? Anime like Frieren: Beyond Journey's End and Oshi no Ko opting for longer premieres may have a lot to do with anime fans ditching the 'three-episode' rule.
Tokyo Shibuya ward’s cryptic video yelling at foreigners to “STAY AWAY”!” for Halloween causes more harm than good
With nothing but noble intentions, Tokyo's Shibuya ward posted a video regarding Halloween celebrations that has caused a lot of confusion and even offense with its botched translations.
- ByAmber V
I didn’t set out to be an animation director at first – “Your Name” director Makoto Shinkai reveals that audiences are what shaped him into who he is
In a recent interview, animated film director Makoto Shinkai talks about how audiences shaped him into who he is a creator and the ways his work has changed over time.
- ByAmber V
With Japan’s otaku haven Akihabara soon undergoing redevelopment, some fear it may lose its charm
Is Akihabara about to lose its charm? Some argue that the redevelopment of the 'Electric Town' will cause it to lose its uniqueness.
Are weird baby names in Japan like Zeus and Hello Kitty really widespread enough to require law amendments?
As so-called “kirakira names” grow into more and more of a controversial topic in Japan, some call for legal regulations for unconventional names, while others don't see the issue as such a big deal.
Japanese supported employment company has disabled users work as animators for major titles, causing controversy
A supported employment business for disabled persons in Kyoto, Japan has started taking animation production orders, allowing its users to do animation work for popular TV animations. The news has caused mixed reactions among the public, including doubts of exploitation.
- ByAmber V
Japanese maid cafes grow less innocent and more revenue hungry, resembling hostess clubs
Are modern maid cafes becoming too adult-themed? A Japanese author shares how many maid cafes are becoming increasingly reminiscent of hostess clubs.
Tanjiro was originally not the protagonist of Demon Slayer. How does the manga differ from its earlier versions?
How much does an anime and manga change from its original conception to its finalized version? Demon Slayer's conceptual manga Kagarigari and Kisatsu no Nagare characters and plot are examined.
Japanese otaku-targeted dating app’s bizarre AI image advertising leads to 3x – 7x increase in female users
The Japanese otaku-targeted dating app Otakoi, which had previously gone viral for their advertising using jarring AI generated images, has recently reported a dramatic increase in female members of their platform.
- ByAmber V
Japanese users discuss why some works that were iconic in their heyday tend to feel like imitations over time
Does the overuse of themes in modern works spoil the original content that made them popular? A user discusses why their first time reading the popular Haruhi Suzumiya light novel series felt somewhat lackluster.
Anime adaptations that earned the “wrath” of the original manga authors
In anime adaptations of manga, there have been cases where certain changes to source material brought on the anger of the original manga artists, who didn't hesitate to renounce the adaptations. Conversely, there have been cases in which changes to source material earned positive reactions from audiences.
- ByAmber V
Is Japanese manga behind the times? Users discuss if adopting the webcomic format is needed in order for manga to keep up
Is Japanese manga falling behind modern comic formats like webtoons? Comic book fans discuss the pros and cons between the two styles, prompted by the statement that Demon Slayer put Japanese manga behind the times.
Evangelion creator Hideaki Anno takes action against his face being printed on men’s underpants
Japanese director and animator Hideaki Anno has his face printed on bags, blankets, and men's underpants without his permission on Amazon. Online users find the ordeal strange, yet comical as they wonder who the target market would be for such items.
This new AI anime art generator claims to be “clean,” functioning without stolen art
Emi (Ethereal Master of Illustration) is a free to use AI image generator by Japanese developer AI Picasso that claims to be "clean," avoiding the use of stolen and unauthorized images.
If you’re going to a party in Japan, don’t be late! Here’s why being fashionably late could ruin your reputation
Why do people in Japan have such a strict view of punctuality? Cultural differences between Japan and overseas countries can show us why being tardy in Japan is such a big deal.